Positively UK
“When people come to us they have psychological issues and a lot of fear around how they will support themselves. The changes we see to people’s attitudes, behaviour and physical health when someone begins to get some control of their financial situation are enormous, the impact is massive.”
– Fotios, Volunteer for the Welfare Project
1. What problem are we trying to solve or what is the aim?
Over half of people living with HIV face financial hardship, which impacts their mental health, clinical engagement, and overall quality of life. The Welfare Benefits Advice programme aims to alleviate financial anxieties by providing support to secure benefits and navigate the complex welfare system.
2. What did we do?
Targeted Support
Delivered 448.5 hours of support since April 2024, including 156.75 hours this quarter alone (October–December).
Improved Access and Engagement
- Hosted welfare advice clinics at Royal Free, St Mary’s, Ealing, and Harrow.
- Increased referrals from both clients and peer-to-peer recommendations, indicating growing awareness and trust in the service.
- Provided significant assistance during the Universal Credit (UC) rollout, helping many clients transition to the new system.
Data-Driven Testing
Continued to test the effectiveness of welfare sessions across clinics to assess uptake and refine referral pathways.
3. What outcome have we achieved so far?
Scale of Support
235 people supported since April 2024, with 156 accessing the service in the most recent quarter.
Financial Impact
- An estimated £1 million in secured benefits for clients between January and December 2024.
- Challenges remain in tracking secured benefits, as clients only return for help if their claims are rejected or awarded lower rates.
Increased Reach
Peer referrals have become a major source of new clients, highlighting the positive impact of the service.